Form-indicating water fountain

ABSTRACT

A water fountain having a plurality of nozzles, which are arranged in a disposition suitable for representing one or more of letters, numerals, patterns, and forms.

O Umted States Patent [151 3,640,463 Kawamura et al. Feb. 8, 1972 [54]FORM-INDICATING WATER [58] Field of Search ..239/2l l 17-21, FOUNTAIN239/551, 12, 16

[72] Inventors: Koreichi Kawamura; Yoshilko Kawamura; [56 R f r s cu dKoichi Kawamura, all of 66, Jyomyoji, Kamakura, Japan UNITED STATESPATENTS .[22] Filed: Apr. 2, 1970 3,432,099 3/1969 Boniecki et al...239/21l X Appl- N03 25,206 Primary ExaminerLloyd L. KingAtt0rney-McGlew and Toren [30] Foreign Applimfion Priority Data ABSTRACTAug. 30, 1969 Japan ..44/68294 A water fountain having a plurality ofnozzles, which are an ran ed in a dis ition suitable for re resentin oneor more 52 us. Cl 239/17, 239/21 1, 239/551, 15m,numggswmmsyandfmg g239/69 [51] Int. Cl ..BOSb 17/08 9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures o 0000 o 00000 9% s 5 8 8 0 oo a 8 Q8 goo o 2) 0ooo o 8 0 80000 0 o 0. 5 (9 2, 0%O 0 0 8 0 09,8 0 0 0000800 0 65 0000 ooo 0 '5 "'4 o 0 0 0 80 0 :9 0 0 oO o 0% 0 o 3 o 0 ooooooo oo 0 o 0 o 800 00 o o ooooo J 0 000 oO g 0 5 2-PATENTEUFEB 8 I972 SHEEY 1 0F 7 o o no 0 w a o 0 5 0 0m. 0. 0 I 00 O N oo w w o o o w w w w w o 0 000000 o 0 o o 0 0 0 0 A vM 0 M00 00 M 000 O Mw 0 0 o 0 w w w 0000000 0 0 o o n g 0,. ll 0 8 o a. w w w 4 00000 0 0000 0 0 0 w 0 M F .M 0 0 M 0% 0 0 INVENTORS' M. H 9 mm \a KORE umATTORNEY PAIENTEUFEB 8 I972 SHEET 3 of 7 INVENTORS URElU-h Hum WW W Hmm: 0' un mum PAIENTEDFEH 8 I972 3.6401163 sum 0F 7 EIIIJDDC'JDDDDCD o43 o O J 8 0 0 0 o o o O o 0 000008 8 O o O O o o 00 00 o o o 0 0 0 000000 0 CJEJDBUUEDUU IN VENTORS MOREMIHI KnunnuRn WW: K0 K IH PM'RHMolCM UHNHhu'RH BY Va 34 1s m ATTORNEY FORM-INDICATING WATER FOUNTAINThis invention relates to a form-indicating water fountain, and moreparticularly to a water fountain for producing water columns, whichrepresent a given form. What is meant by the "form in this inventionincludes letters, numerals, symbols, designs, patterns, and the like.

There are various known illuminating signs, e.g., neon signs, forshowing given forms by selectively actuating electric light bulbs, neondischarge tubes, and the like. Since such illuminating signs are sowidely used, it is difficult to attract public attention by installingsuch signs, e.g., for the purpose of advertisement.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide aform-indicating water fountain, which produces water columns in one ormore given forms. The forrn-indicating water fountain of the inventionis particularly useful in advertisement of commodities and aestheticappreciation.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, illustrating various forms which can beindicated by a water fountain according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram, showing the nozzles and piping of a waterfountain, which indicates five Roman letters, according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram, showing an electric control circuit of the waterfountain of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of a rotary drum switch used in the controlcircuit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram, showing another control circuit applicable to thewater fountain of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram, showing the nozzle disposition of a waterfountain according to the present invention, which selectively indicatestwo combinations of letters;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrammatic illustrations of the two differentletter combinations which can be indicated by the water fountain of FIG.6, respectively;

FIG. 8 is a diagram, showing an electric control circuit of the waterfountain of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a water fountain consisting of a largenumber of nozzles arranged in a lattice disposition for selectivelyindicating different forms;

FIG. 10 is a diagram, showing the essential portion of an electriccontrol circuit diagram usable for the control of the water fountain ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial view of a punched card which is usable in thecontrol circuit of FIG. 10 for selecting the form to be indicated in thewater fountain of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a tape reader for reading thepunched tape of FIG. 11.

Like parts are designated by like numerals and symbols throughout thedrawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, water fountains of the present invention indicatevarious forms by disposing nozzles in desired forms; namely, Romanletters 1-1, numerals l-2, Greek letters 1-3, a symbol 1-4, a picturel-S, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment, which selectively indicates five Romanletters A, B, C, D, and E, as represented by reference numerals 2-1,2-2, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5, respectively. The production of water columnsrepresenting such Roman letters is controlled by regulating manualvalves 3-1 to 3-5, and solenoid valves 4-1 to 4-5, so as to selectivelypass and interrupt the water flow from a main water pipe 5 to suchnozzles. A water pump 7 driven by an electric motor 8 feeds water to thepipe 5 from a water supply conduit 6.

FIG. 3 shows an electric circuit for controlling the solenoid valves 4-1to 4-5 of FIG. 2 by using instruction signals stored in a rotary drum11. The rotary drum 11 has a plurality of projections 13-1 to 13-5formed on the periphery thereof at selected positions. As the rotarydrum 11 is rotated by a lowspeed motor 9, the projections 13-1 to 13-5close electric switch contacts 10-1 to 10-5, respectively, in apredetermined sequence. The sequence of timing of the operation of theswitch contacts 10-1 to 10-5 is controlled by regulating the position ofthe projections 13-1 to 13-5 on the rotary drum and the rotating speedof the motor 9. The closing of the switch contacts 10-1 to 10-5 causeselectric currents to flow through solenoids 4-1a to 4-5a from powersource (not shown) by way of terminals 12, so as to open the solenoidvalves 4-1 to 4-5, respectively.

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of the drum 11 of FIG. 3. indicating thedisposition of the projections 13-a to 13-5 on the peripheral surfacethereof. The projections 13-1 to 13-5 are so disposed that thecorresponding solenoid valves 4-ll to 4-5 are energized for desiredperiods of time, respectively, by keeping the associated switch contacts10-1 to 10-5 as closed for the desired periods. In the illustratedembodiment, water flows through the solenoid valves when they areenergized. The duration of the water column ejection from each of theform indicating nozzle groups 2-1 to 2-5 can be controlled by varyingthe length of the projections 13-1 to 13-5 on the peripheral surface ofthe rotary drum 11, taken along the circumferential direction thereof.

The water fountain nozzle groups of FIG. 2 can also be controlled bymeans of rotary switches, as shown in FIG. 5. In the circuit of FIG. 5,an electric switch 15a is intermittently closed in response to therotation of a synchronous motor or an electric clock, for causing acurrent to flow through the actuating solenoid 16a of a rotary switch 16for turning a rotary arm 16b one notch at a time. The circuit of theactuating solenoid 16a of the rotary switches traces from the ground,through batteries 14, the switch 15a, and the actuating solenoid 160,back to the ground, as shown in the figure.

The rotary switch 16 includes a plurality of stationary contacts whichare directly connected to different buslines 17a to 17e of a matrixcircuit 17. When the rotary arm 16b is at one of the buslines 17a, 17b,17c, and 172, a relay 18-1 is actuated by the batteries 14, by way of acircuit tracing from the ground through the batteries 14, the rotary arm16b, one of the lastmentioned buslines of the matrix circuit 17, adiode, and the relay 18-1, back to the ground. Similarly, a relay 18-2is actuated when the rotary arm 16b is at the busline 17a or 17s; arelay 18-3 is energized when the arm 16!) is at the busline 17c or 172;a relay 18-5 is energized when the arm 16b is at the busline 17d or 17e.The batteries 14 selectively actuate the solenoids 4-1a, 4-2a, 4-3a,4-4a, and 5-5a of the valves 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, and 4-5, in response tothe actuation of the cor responding relays 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, 18-4, and18-5, respectively, by means of the contacts of the relays, as can beseen from FIG. 5. The diodes in the matrix circuit 17 act to isolateadjacent buslines, and also as adders.

The detailed construction of the rotary drum with projections and thecombination of the rotary switch and the matrix circuit is notrestricted to as illustrated, but it is apparent to those skilled in theart that numerous changes are possible in the details and thecombination and arrangement of the parts of the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a water fountain having three groups of nozzles,which can selectively indicate Roman letters ABC or III]. The nozzlegroup is divided into three subgroups, each having one control valve;namely, the first or extreme left nozzle group has subgroups connectedto control valves 19-1, 19-2, and 19-3, respectively; the second orcentral nozzle group has subgroups connected to control valves 19-4,19-5, and 19-6, respectively; and the last or extreme right nozzle grouphas subgroups connected to control valves 19-7, 19-8, 19-9,respectively.

In order to indicate Roman letters ABC or III], as shown in FIGS. 7A and7B, the aforesaid control valves are selectively actuated for passingwater therethrough. The following table shows a schedule of the controlvalve operation for indicating different letters, in the water fountainof FIG. 6.

Letter Valve actuated A 19-2, 19-3 B l9-4. 19-6 C 19-7, 19-8 FIG. 8 is adiagram of a control circuit for regulating the valves 19-1 to 19-9 inthe water fountain of FIG. 6. The control circuit includes a selectorswitch 20 having one common stationary contact connected to the positiveterminal of a DC power source 21 and two stationary contacts ABC andIII], which are selectively connected to the common contact by aswingable arm of the switch 20. The ABC terminal is connected to a line,which is in turn connected to a negative line being charged from thenegative terminal of the DC power source 21 through six parallelbranches; namely a branch consisting of a relay 23-2 in series withdiode 22-2, a branch consisting of a relay 23-3 in series with a diode22-3a, a branch consisting of a relay 23-4 in series with a diode 22-4,a branch consisting of a relay 23-6 in series with a diode 22-6a, abranch consisting of a relay 23-7 in series with a diode 22-7, and abranch consisting of a relay 23-8 in series with a diode 22-8a. The111.] terminal is connected to another line, which is in turn connectedto a negative line being charged from the negative terminal of the DCpower source 21 through six parallel branches; namely a branchconsisting of a relay 23-1 in series with a diode 22-1, a branchconsisting of a relay 23-3 in series with diode 22-3, a branchconsisting of a relay 23-5 in series with a diode 22-5, a branchconsisting of a relay 23-6 in series with a diode 22-6, a branchconsisting of a relay 23-8 in series with a diode 22-8, and a branchconsisting of a relay 23-9 in series with a diode 22-9.

Each of the relays 23-1 to 23-9 has a normally open contact, which isconnected in series with the corresponding one of the solenoid coils19-1a to 19-9a of the solenoid valves 19-1 to 19-9, respectively. Eachof the solenoid coils 19-la to 19-9a of the solenoid valves 19-1 to19-9, which is in series with the corresponding one of the normally opencontacts of the relays 23-1 to 23-9, is connected to a power source ofAC I volts, in the illustrated embodiment.

Accordingly, when the selector switch 20 is turned to the ABC contact,the solenoid valves 19-2, 19-3, 19-4, 19-6, 19-7, and 19-8 are actuatedto pass water therethrough, so that the water fountain of FIG. 6indicates Roman letters ABC, as shown in FIG. 7A, by means of the relaysconnected to this terminal ABC. Similarly, when the selector switch 20is turned to the HI] contact, the solenoid valves 19-1, 19-3, 19-5,19-6, 19-8, and 19-9 are actuated to pass water therethrough, so thatthe water fountain of FIG. 6 indicates Roman letters HIJ, as shown inFIG. 73, by means of the relays connected to this terminal HIJ.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, water pumps, manual valves, and water pipes extendingbetween such pumps and the valves are not shown for simiplicitys sake.

FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate another embodiment of the invention including aplurality of nozzles arranged in a lattice disposition, so that a numberof different forms can selectively be indicated by individuallycontrolling each of the nozzles. In this embodiment, various differentpatterns, letters, and numerals can be indicated in an easilycontrollable manner. In the diagram of FIG. 9, a plurality of nozzlesare arranged in a lattice disposition. The arrangement is, however, notrestricted to the lattice disposition, and any other suitabledisposition, e.g., a concentric disposition, can be employed forindicating the desired forms. The nozzles 31 are connected to the mainpipe 35 of a water source, through solenoid valves 32, respectively. Themain pipe 35 is connected to a pump 33 driven by an electric motor 34,for receiving water from a supply source pipe 36.

FIG. shows an electric control circuit for regulating the operation ofeach solenoid valve 32 in the water fountain of FIG. 9. The solenoidvalve 32 has a solenoid coil 32a, which is connected to a power source38 for driving the solenoid valve 32, through the contact 37a of asolenoid valve controlling relay 37. In this particular embodiment, asillustrated in the figure, a photodiode 41 is used, so that upon theincidence of light beams to the photodiode 41, a current flows from a DCpower source 39 to a transistor 40, which is amplified by the transistorfor forcing the current thus amplified through the valve driving relay37. Thus, the normally open contact 370 of the relay 37 is closed.Accordingly, upon incidence of the light beams to the photodiode 41, thesolenoid valve 32 associated with the photodiode 41 is actuated forejecting water from a nozzle, which is controlled by the solenoid 32.

If a plurality of photodiodes 41 are arranged in a lattice disposition,which corresponds to that of the nozzles 31 of FIG. 9, and a punchedopaque card tape 42 is placed on the photodiodes thus disposed, as shownin FIG. 11. the punched holes of the tape 42 allows light beams from theabove to pass downward through the tape, but the remaining portions ofthe opaque tape 42 interrupt the light passage therethrough. As aresult, the photodiodes 41 thus illuminated through the holes of thepunched tape 42 actuate the solenoid valves 32 for projecting watercolumn in the same form as the shape defined by the punched holes.

Alternately, it is, of course, possible to use any informationcarryingtapes, e.g., optical films in lieu of the punched tape. In the case ofthe optical tapes, the desired pattern may be represented on the opticalfilm by representing the desired forms with transparent portions,instead of the punched holes.

FIG. 12 illustrates a device for sequentially changing the water columnform, such as a plurality of patterns, letters, and numerals, by using apunched tape. A punched tape 42 is rolled on one of the reels 44 and 45,and fed by a tape feeding roll 50 driven by a motor 49, so as to betransferred to the other one of the reels 44 and 45. When the punchedtape 42 moves on a transparent glass plate 47, it is illuminated by alight source lamp 48, which is disposed below the glass plate 47, in theillustrated embodiment. A diode holder 46 above the glass plate 47carries a plurality of photodiodes 41 in the same disposition as thenozzles of a water fountain being controlled. The photodiodes thusdisposed receive light beams from the light source 48 through punchedholes of the punched tape 42, or transparent portions of an opaque tape,for generating an electric current through the related relays foractuating the corresponding solenoid valves. Accordingly, the formprepared on the punched tape 42 by the punched holes or by transparentportions can be indicated by water columns of the water fountain. It isnow apparent that the forms produced by the water columns in the waterfountain can be moved in either direction, in response to the movementof the punched tape on the transparent glass plate.

With the device of FIG. 12, the forms, patterns, letters, symbols, andpictures produced by a water fountain by the water nozzles can easily bechanged over a very wide range. The detection of the pattern of punchedholes on the punched tape can be detected by a known mechanicaldetector, as used in the sky signs, instead of the aforesaid opticaldetecting means.

As described in the foregoing disclosure, according to the presentinvention, there is provided a water fountain which can produce variousforms, such as patterns, letters, numerals, pictures, and the like, withthe water columns therein. Whereby, a truly novel attractive advertisingmeans is provided, which is completely different from neon signs andother conventional advertising means.

Furthermore, if the water fountain of the invention is constructed inthe form of a floating dock, which may be used with a tank, it can bemounted in any pond or sea water, regardless of its depth.

The erection of the water fountain is very easy and can be completed ina very short period of time.

Accordingly, the water fountain of the present invention provides anovel advertising medium for promoting commercial interests and publicattraction. Thus, the invention contributes greatly to the industry.

What is claimed is:

l. A water fountain comprising at least one nozzle group having nozzlesarranged in a disposition representing at least one of letters,numerals, patterns, and forms to be indicated;

valves connected to the nozzles, respectively; and a control means forselectively actuating the part of the nozzle group for indicating aselected one of the letters, numerals, patterns, and forms which areincorporated in the disposition of the nozzles.

2. A water fountain comprising a main water supply conduit, a group ofnozzles for producing streams of water, connecting pipes connecting thenozzles to the main conduit, at least two valves for supplying water toat least one nozzle, and control means for operating the valve providedso as to display letters, figures, numerals and marks.

3. A water fountain comprising at least one nozzle group whose nozzlesare arranged in a disposition representing a combination of at least twoof the letters, numerals, patterns, and forms to be indicated; valvesconnected to the nozzles, respectively; and a control means forselectively actuating a part of the nozzle group for indicating selectedone of the letters, numerals, patterns, and forms which are incorporatedin the disposition of the nozzles.

4. A water fountain comprising a plurality of nozzles which are arrangedat uniform intervals, a plurality of solenoid valves, each beingoperatively connected to one of the nozzles, an information-carryingtape, a tape reader, and a control means for selectively actuating thenozzles in response to the information read from the tape by the reader,so as to indicate information by water columns in the water fountain.

5. A water fountain according to claim 4, wherein said nozzles arearranged in a lattice disposition.

6. A water fountain according to claim 4, wherein said nozzles aredisposed in a concentric disposition with uniform radial and angularintervals.

7. A water fountain according to claim 4, wherein saidinformation-carrying tape is a punched tape.

8. A water fountain according to claim 4, wherein saidinformation-carrying tape is an optical film.

9. A water fountain according to claim 4 and further comprising a tapefeeder, whereby the indication of the water fountain varies in responseto the movement of the tape.

1. A water fountain comprising at least one nozzle group having nozzlesarranged in a disposition representing at least one of letters,numerals, patterns, and forms to be indicated; valves connected to thenozzles, respectively; and a control means for selectively actuating thepart of the nozzle group for indicating a selected one of the letters,numerals, patterns, and forms which are incorporated in the dispositionof the nozzles.
 2. A water fountain comprising a main water supplyconduit, a group of nozzles for producing streams of water, connectingpipes connecting the nozzles to the main conduit, at least two valvesfor supplying water to at least one nozzle, and control means foroperating the valve provided so as to display letters, figures, numeralsand marks.
 3. A water fountain comprising at least one nozzle groupwhose nozzles are arranged in a disposition representing a combinationof at least two of the letters, numerals, patterns, and forms to beindicated; valves connected to the nozzles, respectively; and a controlmeans for selectively actuating a part of the nozzle group forindicating selected one of the letters, numerals, patterns, and formswhich are incorporated in the disposition of the nozzles.
 4. A waterfountain comprising a plurality of nozzles which are arranged at uniformintervals, a plurality of solenoid valves, each being operativelyconnected to one of the nozzles, an information-carrying tape, a tapereader, and a control means for selectively actuating the nozzles inresponse to the information read from the tape by the reader, so as toindicate information by water columns in the water fountain.
 5. A waterfountain according to claim 4, wherein said nozzles are arranged in alattice disposition.
 6. A water fountain according to claim 4, whereinsaid nozzles are disposed in a concentric disposition with uniformradial and angular intervals.
 7. A water fountain according to claim 4,wherein said information-carrying tape is a punched tape.
 8. A waterfountain according to claim 4, wherein said information-carrying tape isan optical film.
 9. A water fountain according to claim 4 and furthercomprising a tape feeder, whereby the indication of the water fountainvaries in response to the movement of the tape.